Mark 9:38-40 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him… I. THAT POWER TO DO GOOD IS NOT MONOPOLIZED BY ONE CLASS OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. We can only conjecture, but there is strong reason for supposing, as many have done, that this man who was encountered in his work by our Lord's disciples, was a disciple of John Baptist. It is not unlikely that he may have been but partially enlightened as to the mission of our Lord; or have fully believed in Him as the Messiah, but have preferred an independent course of action for himself. We have seen, and we see today, similar deeds of helpful charity being performed by men not of our party, who do not worship at the church or chapel which we are accustomed to attend. The essentials of a good deed are alike in both cases. These neighbours of ours are engaged in casting out the demons of ignorance, vicious habits, vile passions, and despairing poverty. Some of them have confronted difficulties which we have not dared to face, and solved problems which we had pronounced impossible of solution. All Christian parties and all Christian men can bear testimony to the universal existence of this fact. II. WE REMARK THAT THE CONDUCT OF THE DISCIPLES IS NOT SINGULAR FOR ITS INTOLERANCE. The clannish feeling was very strong amongst these men. There is something really good at the bottom of this feeling. It implies and involves a binding principle of fealty, which is one of the truest feelings of noble natures. But unless it is checked in some of its tendencies, and regulated by judicious reflections, it becomes exclusive and illiberal. We can hardly imagine the meek, gentle, and tender-spirited John joining in the exclusive conduct of this severe proceeding. It is difficult to conceive of the censure which he could pass upon a man who was doing good. But the meekest men become severe where privileges of a certain order are concerned. III. WE OBSERVE THE TOLERANT SPIRIT OF CHRIST. "Forbid him not!" Let him alone; leave him to his work! "Forbid him not!" for two reasons: first, because "there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name that can lightly (or 'easily,' 'quickly,' 'readily') speak evil of Me." Secondly, "He that is not against us is on our part." He that cannot speak against me may be regarded as my friend. In a matter like this the absence of opposition may be accepted as a proof of support. Tacit approval of our work must be welcomed as next in importance, if no more, to definite cooperation. Do we not wait for men to join our ranks before we acknowledge them as followers of Christ? We have devoted too much of the energy and earnestness of our life to the little matters that absorb us as denominations rather than to the grander and mightier subjects that concern us as Christians. Between us and those from whom we stand aloof there may exist no real barrier to a happy and hearty recognition of our common interest in the same dear and blessed Lord. Everything which tends to rend away the veil that separates the follower of Jesus Christ from his brother is to be hailed with devout and fervent gratitude, and every spirit should yearn to join the prayer of that great heart while yet upon the earth, "That they all may be one." (W. Dorling.) Parallel Verses KJV: And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. |
    |